GP2 champion Maldonado close to F1 switch

By succeeding Nico Hulkenberg as the new GP2 champion, Pastor Maldonado is
now close to switching to Formula One for 2011.
The 25-year-old Venezuelan, managed by Felipe Massa's manager Nicolas
Todt, has - with his main sponsor PDVSA - already...

By succeeding Nico Hulkenberg as the new GP2 champion, Pastor Maldonado is
now close to switching to Formula One for 2011.

The 25-year-old Venezuelan, managed by Felipe Massa's manager Nicolas
Todt, has - with his main sponsor PDVSA - already been linked with a move
to Sauber for next year.

He also has close ties to the Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, and
Brazilian journalist Livio Oricchio says Maldonado is now very close to F1.

"I don't want to get to Formula One and be there for just one season,"
he is quoted by O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper.

"It is an historic moment. Not for many years have we (Venezuela) had a
representative in Formula One, but there is a boom of interest now," he
added.

"The project of our government to support sport is a success. They have
invested six years in me to get to Formula One and I am ready for the
challenge," said Maldonado.

He senses a deal is close, amid reports his manager Todt is looking to buy
into Sauber.

"It would be great if it was done before the race in Abu Dhabi, so I could
participate in the tests there after the GP with my new team," admitted
Maldonado at Monza.